Philosophy

Canolfan Corris hostel was purchased from
the YHA in 1992 in order to maintain a
Youth Hostel in the area. Since then it has had over 50,000 visitors, bringing
in a significant contribution to the local economy. It received the Dyfi
Green Tourism Award in 1996 for its efforts.

The building maintains an ambience in keeping with its educational
heritage and a focus on creativity and harmony. Paintings and gifts of appreciation
from around the world adorn the community hall, giving it an international
"Bohemian" style atmosphere with Celtic undertones.

Eco-friendly
products are used wherever possible and we encourage our visitors to recyle
their waste, including plastics, in the bins provided. The compost materials
are evaluated by the Centre for Alternative Technology as a part of their high fibre compost project.

The need is recognised for cultivating mutually beneficial economic partnerships within the local community. Some of our partnerships include:

Increased emphasis in using local sources of services and supplies and
in Fair Traded goods in our procurement strategy.

The local village pub is fast becoming an endangered species. The support
of our visitors and a good working relationship has helped our local pub,
the Slaters Arms, to survive.

In local renewable technology initiatives, we are a member of Solar
Club and in the Dulas Valley Community
Wind Partnership, a small new wind energy cooperative.

Within marketing, we were a founding member with CAT
of the Dyfi Green Tourism Guide within the Dyfi Eco Valley Partnership.

The natural environment is often overlooked as an eco-nomic partner.
It brings beauty and provides the support structure for quality of life;
the best exchange we could possibly desire. Within the hostel grounds
we have built a living willow structure, and are 'landscaping'
the grounds to provide areas of harmony and to encourage wild life.

To us, eco-tourism has one voice - we care and it comes from the heart...